Happy to see you, but not under these circumstances

Entering a police station in the aftermath of an officer-involved shooting is a unique experience, akin to stepping into a solemn church wearing squeaky shoes. The weight of unspoken concern hangs in the air as colleagues cast long, sad glances towards the officer involved. Over the course of my career as a trauma therapist working with law enforcement, the refrain, "happy to see you, but not under these circumstances," has echoed persistently in my mind.

Challenging Misconceptions:

Our society often harbors misconceptions about police officers, assuming they shoot for the thrill or employ their weapons as a first resort. However, data from a Pew Research Center survey challenges these notions, revealing that only 27% of officers report ever firing their service weapon on the job. The prevailing narrative of officers as mindless killers couldn't be further from the truth. Officers are trained not to kill but to live, and the decision to use deadly force is accompanied by an immeasurable emotional toll.

Understanding the Officer's Perspective:

Engaging with an officer who has just discharged their weapon provides insight into the internal struggle. Many officers express the conflict of wanting the situation to end without resorting to lethal force. The stressors associated with an officer-involved shooting are multifaceted, encompassing the officer's psychological response, peer reactions, family dynamics, departmental scrutiny, and potential legal repercussions.

The Emotional Rollercoaster:

Officers often experience physical symptoms post-shooting, ranging from headaches and stomach upset to impaired sexual functioning. Moreover, post-traumatic stress is a common and normal response, manifesting as intrusive imagery, flashbacks, anxiety, and depression. The emotional turbulence of switching from using force to providing first aid underscores the complex nature of these situations.

Therapeutic Intervention:

Recognizing the unique challenges officers face, therapeutic intervention follows a structured approach. The Crisis Intervention Stage involves on-scene trauma therapists providing immediate support and education. Debriefing follows, allowing officers to recount the incident therapeutically. Short-term therapy focuses on pragmatic, solution-oriented approaches to address daily functioning and mitigate post-traumatic stress.

Supporting Law Enforcement:

Despite officer-involved shootings being statistically rare, their impact on the lives and careers of officers is profound. Beyond the badge lies a human being with loved ones, dispelling the myth of emotionless automatons. As a trauma therapist, I've dedicated countless hours to helping officers navigate the aftermath, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and urging against trivializing it for social or political gain. My unwavering support for law enforcement stems from a deep understanding of the challenges they face and the resilience required to overcome them.